Announcing new Smarty Blogger, Jennifer Voorhees!

Smarties, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of our Smarty family, Jennifer Voorhees. Brand new mommy to sweet Addeline, “Addie”, Jennifer will be covering all things pregnancy and new mommyhood and with a working mom twist. This rockstar of a mama works at Charlotte’s hippest and largest ad agency! My favorite tidbit about Jennifer aside from her rockin’ name (Jennifers will rule the world someday!), is that her mentor at work was our beloved Jen B, who is shining down from heaven right now.

Let’s get to know Jennifer and welcome her to our Smarty family!

Smarty Stats

Mom of: Addeline, 3 months
Married to: Derek, coming up on five fabulous years
Years in Charlotte: 7
Alma Mater: Ball State University (yes, that’s where David Letterman went…)
Hometown: Indianapolis
Occupation: Advertising guru

Share your delivery story!

It was a cool, rainy January day and I was 40 weeks and one day. I was going to work like any normal day and I needed to fill up my car. When I got to the pump, I stepped out and fell right on my rump. My baby girl was moving around and I was ok, other than my tush and my pride being hurt. On the way in to work I had a couple contractions and thought it might be a good idea to see the doctor. They monitored the baby and me – we were all good and they confirmed I was having contractions. After going to work and arriving home, my contractions very quickly went from 45 minutes apart to 20 minutes apart to 5 minutes…to 4 minutes…to 3 minutes – time to go! My husband, an aspiring racecar driver, hauled from Matthews to CMC Main in 10 minutes flat. After dropping me off and having a short exchange with the guest greeter about “I’m about to have a baby in your lobby” – I got to the maternity ward and was prepped. An epidural and about six hours later, our sweet Addeline joined us. It was the most amazing experience and I’m very thankful to the nurses and hospital staff for such an amazing delivery and recovery.

What surprised you most after becoming a new mommy?

Looking back to the first weeks, I’m amazed at how much I could do being sleep deprived. I think instincts kick in at that point and you just do what you need to do for your family.

What was your biggest pregnancy craving?

In the first trimester I couldn’t get enough burgers. Bad Daddy’s in Ballantyne was definitely my preggo hot spot.

Did you find out the gender while pregnant?

Yes. I’m too much of a planner to not find out. We thought about waiting to find out – but that thought lasted about one second.

Favorite thing you registered for?

The travel bassinet. Addie wouldn’t take to the crib for about a month – it was almost like it was too much space for her and she would kick herself awake. Surprisingly, she hates being swaddled – she would kick out of that as well. In order for anyone to get sleep, we got a travel bassinet for our bedroom. It allowed her to be somewhat confined and it allowed me to get up and nurse with ease. As we look forward to a summer of traveling home to Indiana and fingers crossed, some beach trips – the travel bassinet will be making many appearances.

What stroller did you pick?

We roll around in a Britax B-Ready. It’s a sturdy, safe and reliable brand.

Where did you get your nursery décor?

If Buy Buy Baby and IKEA were to marry and have a baby – it would be our nursery.

What was it like for you when you returned from maternity leave?

I had some very mixed emotions. Leaving Addie at daycare was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it was nice to see my coworkers and friends and get back to being a productive advertising exec. Everyone at work has been extremely supportive and there are other new moms that I can talk about the color of poop with.

Minivan or SUV?

SUV and truck. My husband’s Chevy Avalanche is surprisingly more luxurious than my Nissan Xterra.

Best book you’ve read lately?

Um… I haven’t read a book that’s not pregnancy related in about a year. I’m taking suggestions though.

Best movie?

I’m not going to lie – I’m a complete sucker for Titanic. Every time it’s on TV, I get completely sucked in. I’m secretly hoping for a date night to see it in 3D. I’ll never let go…

Favorite Smarty phone app?

Coupon Sherpa. It features coupons for restaurants, stores and more that are often featured in newspapers, magazines, online, etc. You can usually pull it up on your phone and use it.
…and Pinterest of course. Complete Pinterest junkie.

Favorite thing about being a mother?

The unspoken love for such a beautiful little girl.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Right here. In Charlotte, with my amazing husband, Addie and who knows… maybe another one or two little ones running around. I’m in no hurry though, I’m enjoying every moment with my family now.

I could not live without my…

iPhone. Between the camera, video camera, Skype (for Grandparents in Indiana), email, Facetime, texting, Coupon Sherpa, Pinterest, Facebook, Twiiter, etc – all in the palm of my hand, it’s my must have item.

Favorite CSP article so far?

It’s really hard to say one article that is my favorite. I really enjoyed the different pregnancy posts, since I was recently going through that. I also like the Smarty Mom articles. It’s so inspiring and great to hear about other Super Smarty Moms that are all in the Queen City!